Michael Phelps Gives 'Angry' Warning To USA Swimming

Michael Phelps, the most decorated swimmer in Olympic history, once called out USA Swimming, claiming he's "both sad and angry" about the "current state" of the program.

“I’ve watched too many teammates struggle to compete in a sport they love without the support they need,” Phelps wrote in a statement shared on his social media accounts. “I’ve also seen the sport struggle to return its membership numbers to pre-pandemic levels, and I’m done pretending this system works just because it produces medals.

“Swimming, to me, was always about more than just medals – it’s supposed to be an environment that builds champions in and out of the pool. As a Dad to four young boys, it pains me to say that I’m not sure if I’d want my sons to be a part of this sport at a competitive level. Yes, swimming changed my life, but it also caused a lot of heartache, and its current state makes me both sad and angry.”

Phelps initially clarified that he wasn't calling out the current USA swimmers, rather the program's leadership, while pointing out the decline in performance, with Team USA having won just 44% of medals at the 2024 Paris Olympics, the lowest mark since the 1988 Seoul Games. The 40-year-old acknowledged that money has been a factor in the program's decline, but specifically noted "poor operational controls and weak leadership," offering himself as a resource for USA Swimming.

“My door is open and there is work to be done,” he wrote.

Phelps' previous criticism came after his former USA Swimming teammate Ryan Lochte shared an image of a funeral being held for the program, commenting that the 2025 World Championships would be a "wake-up call." Team USA did win nine gold medals and 29 total medals, both of which were among the most of any country.

Phelps holds the record for gold medals (23) and total medals (28) won by an Olympic athlete in any sport, having competed in four Olympic games from 2004 to 2016.